Outcome following nonoperative treatment of displaced distal radius fractures in low-demand patients older than 60 years

Twenty-five sedentary, low-demand patients older than 60 years were retrospectively evaluated for function and radiographic results following nonoperative treatment of displaced distal radius fractures. The mean age was 72 years and the average follow-up period was 34 months. All patients had radiographic and functional evaluations. The radiographic assessment included a scoring system based on measurements of the final dorsal angle, loss of radial length, and the final radial inclination. The development of radiocarpal and distal radioulnar joint arthrosis was also investigated. The functional assessment included subjective and objective criteria. Overall satisfaction, ability to return to previous activity level or occupation, concern over wrist appearance, and a functional task questionnaire were part of the subjective assessment. Objective assessment included neuromuscular evaluation and measurements of range of motion and grip strength. The final radiographic scores revealed that 6 patients (24%) had excellent results, 11 (44%) had good results, 2 (8%) had fair results, and 6 (24%) had poor results. Six of 10 patients with intra-articular fractures developed progressive wrist arthrosis. Two of 6 patients with radiographic arthrosis had unsatisfactory functional outcome. Five of 8 patients with intra-articular fractures that healed with a residual stepoff greater than or equal to 2 mm had satisfactory functional outcome; 3 of these 8 patients had unsatisfactory functional outcome. The functional assessment revealed that 22 patients (88%) had excellent or good results and 3 (12%) had fair or poor results. The radiographic outcome did not correlate with the functional outcome. Twenty-three of 25 patients (92%) were satisfied with the overall outcome of the treatment and 22 (88%) were able to return to their previous activity level or occupation. Despite an obvious clinical deformity in over half of the patients, none were unhappy with the clinical appearance of the wrist. According to the functional task questionnaire, jar opening was by far the most difficult task to perform after fracture healing. Functional outcome was satisfactory in most cases; a high level of personal satisfaction and return to previous activity level was observed, regardless of the radiographic result. Nonoperative treatment of distal radius fractures yields satisfactory outcome, especially in those with low functional demands. It also is indicated in poor operative candidates. Copyright (C) 2000 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.